Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZW) appears to have set a Sept. 8 launch data for the Motorola Droid Bionic, the 4G Android smartphone the phone maker delayed by a few months for unconfirmed reasons.
Gadget blog IGN scored an internal document displaying upcoming devices and their release dates the No. 2 U.S. wireless carrier has planned for the fall. A Verizon spokesperson declined to confirm whether the document was accurate or not.
Sept. 8 is a major launch date, apparently. Specifically, the 4G Samsung Stratosphere, which IGN said is Verizon’s iteration of the Samsung Galaxy S II, will reportedly launch that day. Verizon is also reportedly launching a BlackBerry Curve from Research in Motion Sept. 8.
Finally, for that day: the storied Droid Bionic, a fascinating study in how not to pre-announce a device when it can’t be ready on time.
Motorola Mobility (NYSE:MMI) touted the Droid Bionic, along with the Atrix 4G, at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in January. The Atrix 4G appeared on AT&T in February. The Droid Bionic, due in the second quarter, was pushed back so Motorola could improve the hardware and software.
“Based on compelling feedback since the show, we are incorporating several enhancements to make this an even better consumer experience,” Motorola said in a statement. “This includes expanded features, functionality and an improved form factor.”
Speculation roved from Motorola trying to better differentiate with other smartphones on Verizon, such as the HTC Thunderbolt and Samsung Droid Charge, to the phone maker simply not being able to get the 4G radio right to handle Verizon’s speedy 4G LTE network.
Motorola also delayed its 4G LTE Xoom tablet, putting more wood behind the argument that the company was struggling with the 4G upgrade for Verizon’s network.
Whatever the case, the Droid Bionic teaser page is live. This device will be powered by Google’s Android 2.3 “Gingerbread” operating system and a Texas Instruments OMAP dual-core processor.
With so many devices allegedly launching Sept. 8, Verizon might even do well to hold a launch event in New York City to trumpet the news as competition with AT&T (NYSE:T) heats up.
IGN said Verizon has picked Sept. 29 to launch the Gingerbread-powered HTC Bliss; Oct. 13 to launch the LG Crescendo, and Oct. 20 for the arrival of LG Revolution 2.
Finally, the documents reports a November launch for the Samsung Galaxy Tab P8, which could be the 4G LTE-powered 8.9-inch little brother to the Galaxy Tab 10.1 Verizon is currently hawking. Verizon is selling the 4G LTE Tab 10.1 in as 16GB model for $529.99 and a 32GB flavor for $629.99.